Peaceful conclusion to Somalia's transition lauded by UN

The United Nations (UN) has lauded the peaceful and successful conclusion of the transition period in Somalia, which culminated with the election of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as the troubled nation's new president on Sept 10 this year.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Somalia, Dr. Augustine Mahiga, said the successful conclusion had a great historical significance to that country and its people.

He said the UN, African Union (AU), Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a grouping of Horn of Africa nations including Somalia and the international community, would continue to support the new Somali Federal Government.

According to Mahiga, the role of neighbouring countries, especially Ethiopia, was crucial in the campaign to driven out the al-Shabab Islamist militia from Somalia and restore peace and stability to that country. Somalia had been without a functioning government after the collapse in 1991 of the government of former president Mohamed Siad Barre.